Getting braces is a major step toward a straighter, healthier smile. But as many patients quickly realize, orthodontic treatment isn’t an overnight fix. Braces often stay on for 18 months to 3 years, depending on your dental needs.

So, it’s natural to ask can you make the process go faster?

The answer is yes, but only with safe, dentist-approved methods. Rushing treatment or trying DIY shortcuts can damage your teeth, gums, and bone structure.

At the Best dentist in Southbridge, our orthodontic team helps patients achieve their best smiles efficiently, comfortably, and safely. Here’s what you can do to help your treatment progress as smoothly as possible.

1. Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions Always

This might seem obvious, but it’s the most crucial part of speeding up your braces treatment. Every adjustment, elastic band, or orthodontic appliance is part of a carefully designed plan.

If you skip appointments, remove elastics too early, or neglect your instructions, your progress stalls. Even a few missed adjustments can delay results by weeks or months.

Pro Tip:

• Set appointment reminders on your phone.
• Keep a small notebook or app to track elastic wear and hygiene routines.

Consistency is key to a quicker, more predictable outcome.

2. Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy

Healthy gums and teeth respond better to orthodontic pressure. When oral hygiene slips, plaque builds up and causes gum inflammation, which can slow down or even stop tooth movement.

Daily habits to keep things on track:

• Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Use an interdental brush or water flosser to clean between brackets.
• Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria.

Regular cleaning also prevents cavities, white spots, and stains that might appear once your braces come off.

3. Eat Smart Protect Your Braces

Food choices can make or break your orthodontic progress. Hard or sticky foods can bend wires or snap brackets, forcing your Southbridge dentist to repair them which delays your timeline.

Avoid:

• Chewy foods like caramel, gum, and taffy.
• Hard snacks like popcorn, nuts, or ice.
• Crunchy raw vegetables (cut them into small pieces if needed).

Enjoy instead:

• Mashed potatoes, pasta, yogurt, smoothies, and steamed vegetables.

The fewer emergency repairs you need, the faster your braces can do their job.

4. Wear Elastics Exactly as Directed

Elastics (rubber bands) help align your bite and ensure your teeth move in harmony. Not wearing them consistently is one of the top reasons treatment gets delayed.

Even skipping them for a few hours daily can set back progress.

Here’s how to stay consistent:

• Always keep spare elastics in your bag or locker.
• Replace broken ones immediately.
• Follow your orthodontist’s exact wear schedule.

Your elastics might seem like a small part of treatment — but they play a big role in finishing on time.

5. Never Skip Adjustment Appointments

Your braces need regular adjustments to maintain steady tooth movement. Skipping these visits can interrupt the treatment process and lead to uneven results.

During adjustments, your orthodontist in Southbridge changes wires, checks tension, and ensures everything is progressing correctly. Missing an appointment means your teeth remain in one phase longer than necessary.

Schedule all appointments ahead of time and treat them as a priority — it’s the best way to avoid unnecessary delays.

6. Avoid Bad Habits That Damage Braces

Certain habits can slow or even reverse your braces progress:

• Chewing on pens or nails bends wires.
• Using teeth as tools (like opening bottles or packages) can damage brackets.
• Grinding your teeth adds extra strain and can shift movement patterns.

Breaking these habits keeps your orthodontic hardware intact — and your timeline intact too.

7. Ask About Accelerated Orthodontic Options

Modern orthodontics offers advanced techniques that can help speed up your results safely. Depending on your case, your dentist may recommend:

• Self-ligating braces: These use a sliding mechanism to move teeth faster with less friction.
• High-frequency vibration devices: Gentle vibrations help stimulate bone remodeling, promoting quicker movement.
• Propel® or AcceleDent® systems: These micro-stimulation tools encourage faster bone adaptation.

Talk to your Southbridge orthodontist to see if these options are suitable for your smile.

8. Manage Pain Properly — Don’t Delay Visits

Mild soreness after an adjustment is normal. But if pain makes you avoid appointments or skip elastics, it can slow treatment.

Ease discomfort with:

• A warm saltwater rinse (¼ teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water).
• Orthodontic wax on sharp brackets or wires.
• Over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
• Cold compresses to reduce inflammation.

Your dentist can also adjust wire tension if discomfort persists — helping you stay on track comfortably.

9. Protect Your Braces During Sports

If you play sports, always wear a custom mouthguard. A hit to the mouth can cause serious damage to your braces and teeth, delaying progress for weeks.

Ask your Southbridge dental clinic for a custom-fit sports mouthguard — it offers better protection than generic store-bought ones.

10. Stay Patient, Stay Positive

Everyone’s smile moves at a different pace. Trying to rush the process can cause serious harm, like root shortening or gum recession.

Instead, focus on:

• Maintaining your appointments.
• Following your orthodontist’s directions.
• Keeping your mouth healthy and clean.

Your patience will pay off with a confident, lasting smile that’s worth every day of treatment.

When to Talk to Your Dentist About Progress

If you feel like your treatment has stalled or you’re not seeing expected results, schedule a check-in with your Southbridge dentist. Sometimes, small adjustments or updated appliances can help move things along efficiently.

At Southbridge Dentistry & Implants, we take a personalized approach to orthodontic care, ensuring every step is safe, effective, and as fast as possible for your unique smile.

Conclusion: Safe Speed Wins the Race

Speeding up your braces treatment isn’t about shortcuts — it’s about consistency and smart habits. From oral hygiene to follow-up visits, each action supports steady, predictable movement.

When you follow your orthodontist’s guidance and keep your mouth healthy, you can achieve your dream smile faster, safely and confidently.

At Southbridge Dentistry & Implants, we’re dedicated to helping patients enjoy beautiful, straight smiles through advanced, gentle orthodontic care.

If you’re ready to make the most of your braces treatment — or explore faster, modern alternatives like Invisalign schedule your consultation today.

Call Southbridge Dentistry & Implants now or book online to take the next step toward a quicker, healthier, more confident smile!